Raymond Arkell Been, 86, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at Wesley Hospital following complications from pneumonia and the flu. Ray was born in Marissa, IL to Agnes (Blank) and Everett Been, the last of 12 children. His parents and all siblings precede him in death. After graduation from Marissa High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force retiring after 20 years. During his service, he went to Airframe and Engine School in California for one year and learned his craft as an aircraft mechanic, scheduler, and preventative maintenance supervisor. In addition to various stateside assignments, he spent two years in Guam and three years in Hawaii in support of the fighter jets flying into Vietnam. Raymond was committed and dedicated in the service to his country as well as tremendously dedicated to his family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Ray also loved airplanes, traveling, bird-watching, woodworking, western movies and history. Survivors: wife, Ruth (Reese) Been; children, Pamela Been-Redeker and husband, Don of Manhattan, KS, Bill Been and wife Sharon of Hendersonville, TN; grandchildren, Eli Redeker, Tucker Been, Olivia Been, Wyatt Been.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Monday, February 27, 2017 from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Funeral: Graveside services will be held at the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 2:15pm with Rev. James Harkness officiating.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Our whole Zehntner family will miss Ray’s summer visits. He was a very special gentleman and we were always happy to see him, whether with Doc and Bill or with the family. He will be missed
Posted by: Carol and Howard Zehntner – WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, MT – friend Feb 26, 2017
ReplyMay God hold you and your family in his loving arms and give you peace and comfort.
Posted by: Beth & Jim Bolte – Oxford, KS Feb 24, 2017
ReplyMy condolences to Ruth and the Been family. Ray was a warm and friendly person when I visited a few times. He shared his knowledge about birds and history, keeping me enthralled. He made a difference in our world with his knowledge and service to our country, too.
Posted by: Marcia Craig – Farmington, NM Feb 24, 2017
ReplyMy most sincere sympathies to Ruth and the Been family. Ray was a real gentleman and will be sincerely missed.
Posted by: Don Wells – Mulvane, KS Feb 23, 2017
ReplyRay was a real gem. My heart aches for all of you. May the peace of loving this wonderful man bring you comfort.
Posted by: Pam Wells – Victoria, MN Feb 23, 2017
ReplyUncle Ray was a treasure! I loved his stories and zest for life. I truly believe that I love animals so, due largely to the example I had in uncle Ray. He was full of knowledge and knew so much about so many things! Marissa, IL was such a special place to me, because of the Been family. Each member was unique and made me feel so loved and special. Time spent with Uncle Ray and aunt Ruthie was enchanting
Posted by: Katie (McPheeters) Barter – Ozark, IL Feb 23, 2017
ReplyDear Ruth, Our deepest sympathy to you, your family, and your friends. We fondly remember you and Ray back through so many years while we pray God’s peace for you in this time of sadness.
Posted by: Wilma & Jim Rose – Wichita, KS Feb 23, 2017
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Dear Ruth, Our deepest sympathy to you, your family, and your friends. We fondly remember you and Ray back through so many years while we pray God’s peace for you in this time of sadness.
Posted by: Wilma & Jim Rose – Wichita, KS Feb 23, 2017
Uncle Ray was a treasure! I loved his stories and zest for life. I truly believe that I love animals so, due largely to the example I had in uncle Ray. He was full of knowledge and knew so much about so many things! Marissa, IL was such a special place to me, because of the Been family. Each member was unique and made me feel so loved and special. Time spent with Uncle Ray and aunt Ruthie was enchanting
Posted by: Katie (McPheeters) Barter – Ozark, IL Feb 23, 2017
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Posted by: Bill & Marty – Tucson, AZ Feb 23, 2017
Ray was a real gem. My heart aches for all of you. May the peace of loving this wonderful man bring you comfort.
Posted by: Pam Wells – Victoria, MN Feb 23, 2017
My most sincere sympathies to Ruth and the Been family. Ray was a real gentleman and will be sincerely missed.
Posted by: Don Wells – Mulvane, KS Feb 23, 2017
My condolences to Ruth and the Been family. Ray was a warm and friendly person when I visited a few times. He shared his knowledge about birds and history, keeping me enthralled. He made a difference in our world with his knowledge and service to our country, too.
Posted by: Marcia Craig – Farmington, NM Feb 24, 2017
May God hold you and your family in his loving arms and give you peace and comfort.
Posted by: Beth & Jim Bolte – Oxford, KS Feb 24, 2017
Our whole Zehntner family will miss Ray’s summer visits. He was a very special gentleman and we were always happy to see him, whether with Doc and Bill or with the family. He will be missed
Posted by: Carol and Howard Zehntner – WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, MT – friend Feb 26, 2017